Effect of Slab Thickness and Stirrup Shape on Shear Strength of Light Weight Concrete T – Beams

Abstract

This research work was conducted to study the general deformational behavior and shear resistance of light weight concrete T-beams under the effect of two concentrated loads. Ten full scale beams simply supported were tested, all specimens had length equal to 3000 mm and with cross-section of (100 x 300 mm.) and T-sections having width of slab 700 mm with varying slab thicknesses (40, 60 and 80 mm). The T-beams represent three groups with different stirrups reinforcement. The beams were constructed without stirrups, with ordinary stirrups and with slab enclosed by stirrups reinforcement. Each of first and second group consists of four T-beams with slab thicknesses (zero, 40, 60 and 80 mm), and the third group consists of two T-beams (60 and 80 mm.). The main reinforcement of all T-beams was kept constant and equal to 4 16 and the characteristic cubic strength for light weight -reinforced concrete was about 25 MPa. The main variables of this study were the shape of section, slab thickness and shape of stirrups. The general deformational behavior of the tested beams was examined and reported (crack patterns, deformations, strain of concrete and steel). Theoretical study used to predict the shear behavior of concrete beams and the results were compared with the results of the experimental study. The results were combined with available information to formulate some recommendations for designers and researchers concerning the analysis, design and construction of light weight concrete elements. The observed behavior of the light weight concrete specimens up to failure greatly encourages the use of light weight concrete in structural elements.